KARACHI (HRNW): A severe rainstorm accompanied by localized gale-force winds swept through Karachi on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction that resulted in at least 19 deaths and numerous injuries. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded wind speeds of up to 97 km/h in Maripur and 90 km/h along Sharea Faisal, causing widespread power outages, uprooting trees, and leading to structural collapses across the metropolitan area.
The most tragic incident occurred near Moach Goth in Baldia Town, where a wall collapsed onto a group of people, killing 13. According to rescue officials and SSP Keamari, the roof of a second floor collapsed onto the first floor of a non-residential building where several individuals had taken shelter from the rain. Preliminary reports suggest the victims may have been homeless individuals seeking refuge. Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site to oversee the search and rescue operation, which is ongoing amid fears of more people trapped under the rubble.
Further casualties were reported across the city:
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Qaidabad: A man and a woman were killed when a residential wall collapsed in Majeed Colony.
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Malir River: One person was struck and killed by a bolt of lightning near Yaro Goth.
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Korangi: A woman died due to a roof collapse in Korangi 3.5, while a man was crushed by a falling tree in Korangi No. 5.
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Clifton: Two people were critically injured after a massive tree fell near the Driving License Branch.
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Tipu Sultan Road: A large billboard was blown down by the wind, causing significant traffic disruption.
The storm triggered immediate power breakdowns in several neighborhoods, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Karachi, Defense (Phases I and II), and Akhtar Colony. While the PMD predicts no further rain tonight, a fresh spell of heavy showers, thunderstorms, and possible hailstorms is expected Friday afternoon. Met officials added that a new western disturbance is likely to bring more rain to Karachi and the rest of Sindh between March 24 and 27, potentially affecting the first day of Eid.
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